Thu Dec 05 13:38:11 UTC 2024: ## Fadnavis Sworn in as Maharashtra CM for Third Time in Grand Ceremony
**Mumbai, India** – Devendra Fadnavis was sworn in as the Chief Minister of Maharashtra for a third time this evening in a lavish ceremony attended by prominent figures from politics, business, Bollywood, and cricket. The ceremony saw the induction of Eknath Shinde and Ajit Pawar as Deputy Chief Ministers.
The event was marked by the presence of several Chief Ministers from NDA-ruled states, including Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar, who were seen seated together on stage. BJP leaders Amit Shah, JP Nadda, and Nitin Gadkari were also in attendance, alongside Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The swearing-in ceremony concluded a period of suspense regarding the CM’s identity, with initial reports suggesting disagreements within the ruling coalition. While Eknath Shinde initially seemed reluctant to serve as Deputy CM under Fadnavis after leading the Maha Vikas Aghadi government for two and a half years, he ultimately accepted the position.
The BJP’s landslide victory in the November 23rd elections, securing 132 seats – a record for the party in Maharashtra – solidified Fadnavis’s return. The Maha Vikas Aghadi alliance suffered a significant defeat. Uddhav Thackeray, Raj Thackeray, and Sharad Pawar notably stayed away from the ceremony.
This new government represents a significant shift in Maharashtra’s political landscape after the BJP’s impressive electoral performance.
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